Bangalore: Karnataka government on Wednesday dismissed media speculation that it planned to ban entry of
private television channels into both Houses of Legislature
after the porngate expose involving three former ministers.
"There is absolutely no basis for such rumours. There is
no such decision at all. There is no proposal to start a
separate channel to cover proceedings of the legislatures,"
Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs S Suresh Kumar said.
The government does not want to curb press freedom, he
said.
Legislature Secretariat sources said the Lok Sabha
Secretariat about two years back had mooted an idea of whether
the state could also think of starting TV channel on its
lines.
A committee was also set up by legislatures to look into
the suggestion, but it did not make much headway.
In the aftermath of porn episode, there were a debate in
the corridors of state legislatures to revive the plan to set
up a separate channel to cover legislature proceedings.
Currently, about half a dozen regional channels and even
Doordarshan are allowed to capture visuals of both Houses of
the Legislature.
Both Houses were adjourned sine die last week. The Budget
Session is expected to begin next month, for which dates are
yet to be finalised.
PTI
